Flu vaccination offered free of charge throughout Austria for the first time

Spread the love

Read Time:2 Minute, 5 Second

For the first time this year, the influenza vaccination is being offered free of charge to everyone living in Austria. 1.2 million doses, around 160,000 more than last year, are available for this influenza season. Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens), Styrian Health Minister Karlheinz Kornhäusl (ÖVP), and Andreas Huss, Chairman of the Conference of Social Insurance Institutions, announced this on Monday.

Flu can be life-threatening
A list of all medical practices and facilities offering vaccinations is published on the websites of the federal government, provinces and health insurance companies for those wishing to be vaccinated, which can be accessed via impfen.gv.at of the federal government and on the ÖGK website as well as from the beginning of October via the hotline 1450. Around 4,000 doctors and facilities have registered with the e-vaccination store of Bundesbeschaffung GmbH to order influenza vaccine doses. Delivery of the vaccine will start on Monday. There is also a campaign by the federal government, the federal states, and social insurance for the flu vaccination.

Influenza caused by viruses can be severe or even life-threatening and lead to long periods of absence from work and social life. Up to 4,000 people per season have died from influenza in recent years. The vaccination provides a high degree of protection against infection, the course of the disease is usually milder and shorter, and the risk of complications and hospitalization is significantly reduced, it is emphasized.

Jab should be given between mid-October and the end of November
As the viruses are constantly changing, annual vaccination is necessary. For optimum protection, you should be vaccinated between mid-October and the end of November before the cold season begins. The influenza vaccination is recommended for all people from the age of six months. Immunization is particularly important for people with an increased risk of severe disease progression, for example, infants, young children, children, people aged 60 and over, pregnant women, and people with an increased risk of infection.
The vaccination program is jointly financed by the federal government, the provinces, and social insurance. Due to the high demand last year, the program was expanded: Around 1.2 million vaccine doses are available for this winter season in Austria, around 160,000 doses more than in winter 2023/24. Last year, over 98 percent of the available Public Influenza Vaccination Program vaccines were taken up. In addition, influenza vaccinations were also purchased on the private market.